HEALTH experts in Cumbria are urging local smokers to take part in the first ever mass quit attempt launched by the Department of Health – Stoptober.

The new campaign, which runs throughout October, offers smokers a free preparation pack, 28-day Quit Calendar and Health & Wealth wheel. Smokers will also receive support and encouragement through a daily messaging service, inspiration from celebrity mentors, and expert advice via a Stoptober app, motivational text message and a Facebook page.

Cumbria has an estimated 87,900 smokers costing the area approximately £137.2m every year.

Prof John Ashton, Director of Public Health for Cumbria said “We want to help as many people as possible in Cumbria to become smokefree. There is a wide arrange of support available.

“For example our local stop smoking services are doing a great job, and last year in Cumbria 3,289 people successfully quit with their help. With the extra support Stoptober provides, this is a great opportunity for smokers to notice the benefits and hopefully become ex-smokers for good.”

Stoptober 2012 starts on Monday October 1 and runs for 28 days. For more information, to sign up and register for your quit kit visit www.smokefree.nhs.uk/Stoptober or call 01900 324 222 to be put through to your local stop smoking service.